Torque shaft and torque shaft drive

Abstract

Torque shafts and other related systems and methods are described herein. The torque shafts are both flexible and capable of transmitting torque. The torque shafts are useful for procedures that require torque and pushability to drive or deploy a device. The flexibility and pushability of the torque shafts enable them to curve along a tortuous path, and the torque transferring capability of the shafts enable them to transmit torque along the shaft.

1. An elongate tubular shaft for the transmission of torque, the shaft having a first end and a second end and comprising:
 a plurality of segments coupled along a length of the shaft, wherein a living hinge couples a first segment of the plurality to a second, adjacent segment of the plurality, the living hinge configured to flex to allow the first section to pivot into a space between the first and second sections; and 
 an elongate strut extending from the first section and configured to slide within a slot in the second section when the first section pivots, wherein, when the strut is within the slot, a rotation of the shaft causes the strut to transmit torque from the first section to the second section, 
 wherein the living hinge is a first living hinge, and wherein the second segment of the plurality is coupled to a third, adjacent segment of the plurality with a second living hinge, the second living hinge configured to flex to allow the second section to pivot into a space between the second and third sections, the first living hinge being at a position on the tubular shaft 90 degrees from the second living hinge. 
 
     
     
       2. The elongate tubular shaft of  claim 1 , wherein the elongate strut is a first elongate strut and the slot is a first slot, the shaft further comprising a second elongate strut extending from the second section and configured to slide within a second slot in the third section when the first section pivots, wherein the second elongate strut, when within the second slot, is configured to allow torque transmission from the first section to the second section, and wherein the second elongate strut is at a position on the tubular shaft 90 degrees from the first elongate strut.